Portable adjustable table extension for use by the physically impaired

ABSTRACT

A portable, detachable desk or table extension is disclosed for use by a person in a wheelchair that may be vertically and angularly adjusted to an optimum height and position for use. The extension has a portable work surface or platform that extends out, away from, and above the surface of the desk or table to which it is attached, so that a user in a wheel chair may pull up to and under it and not be blocked or hindered by the table or desk underneath. The elevation as well as the angle of tilt of the platform may be adjusted for optimum positioning so that the user in a wheelchair may pull up close to and under it. The extension clamps to the table via a pair of vertical supports.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/609,061 filed Sep. 9, 2004.

I claim to have invented a portable adjustable table extension.

-   -   1) This claim specifically notes folding capability of the         clamping devices (60 and 61 as illustrated).     -   2) This claim also notes raising and lowering capabilities of         the tabletop. It is claimed that item 64 and its components on         the revised illustration (FIGS. 8 and 9) are in itself new and         innovative.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 8 is an underside view showing 61,63,64, and 65 rotated under item 45 and 51 determining portable positioning.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation illustrating 61,63,64, and 65 rotated to a perpendicular position to item 45 and 51 determining working or operational position.

The present invention is an adjustable extension for temporary attachment to a table or desk designed for use by physically or mentally impaired (handicapped) persons. The general description described in the provisional patent (60/609,061 filed Sep. 9, 2004) still applies to the invention; additional features include 60 and 61 replacing 33 and 37, whereas 33 and 37 were fixed position items, 61 rotates around 60 in a hinged fashion. Item 60 attaches to 62 in a secure fashion. 61 rotates on 60 and moves from parellel to items 45 and 51 (FIG. 8) to perpendicular to 45 and 51 (FIG. 9). This rotation of 60 and 61 allows the invention to still perform all previously described movements.

The improved design allows this invention to attain a truly portable and compact status, as well as provide a temporary adjustable extension that attaches to tables or desks to assist the handicapped.

Abstract of Portable Adjustable Table Extension for Use by the Physically Impaired

Problem: Individuals with Disabilities Unable to Participate Comfortably with Non-Disabled Individuals at Home, School, and Work.

This device could provide a portable, adjustable, and comfortable place for disabled individuals to participate along with the non-disabled.

The principle use: This device could be used as an accommodation in a classroom, office, or hospital. Because of its adjustability and portability it could be used as a work surface, in a classroom or office, as well as a place to comfortably eat.

Portable Adjustable Table Extension for Use by the Physically Impaired

The present invention is an adjustable extension for temporary attachment to a table or desk designed for use by physically impaired (handicapped) persons.

Many persons having physical impairments spend much of their time in wheelchairs. Unfortunately, even with modern advances in wheelchair technology, many wheelchairs are still large, cumbersome and bulky. The height of a typical table or desk is ordinarily too low to allow a wheelchair to fit under it. As a result, it is often difficult for a person in a wheelchair to comfortably pull up to and under the table or desk in order to make good use of it. Thus, it is desirable to provide a desk or table extension to make the desk or table more usable by persons in wheelchairs. One such table extension is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,532. This patent describes an extension that is permanently affixed underneath a table so that the extension may be pulled out and brought up to the same height as the table. Unfortunately, this unit is not portable, and if the table it is attached to is not sufficiently tall to allow a user in a wheelchair to pull up to and under it in the first place, this extension is of little help.

It is therefore desirable to provide a portable, detachable desk or table extension for use by a person in a wheelchair that may be adjusted to a usable height regardless of the height of the desk or table to which it is attached. In particular, it is desirable that the extension extend out a sufficient distance away from the desk or table so that the user in a wheelchair may comfortably pull up to and under it during use. It is also desirable that the extension be pivotally mounted so that it is angularly adjustable (tiltable) to allow a physically impaired user to adjust it to an optimum position for use.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The kit of the present invention is a portable, detachable desk or table extension for use by a person in a wheelchair that may be vertically and angularly adjusted to an optimum height and position for use. The extension of the present invention extends out and away from the surface of the desk or table to which it is attached, so that a user in a wheelchair may pull up to and under it and not be blocked or hindered by the table or desk underneath (to which it is attached). The vertical height as well as the angle of tilt of the extension may be adjusted for optimum positioning so that the user in a wheelchair may pull up close to and under it. Additional features may be provided such as ridges or flanges surrounding the flat panel of the extension that prevent objects from sliding off the panel when it is tilted away from horizontal. Holders for cups, writing implements and the like may also be provided on the extension.

The tabletop of the extension may be provided with a clear cover that can be written on with an erasable marker. The clear cover may be fitted between the raised outside ridges or flanges and on top of the main panel of the tabletop. This feature is important for persons with severe disabilities (sight, fine motor, etc.) who cannot use a traditional pencil and paper. It allows such persons to grasp a larger writing utensil and write on the large surface that can be color-coded to enhance usability and performance. Paper may also be placed under the clear plastic if the user is unable to hold the paper on the tabletop extension. Such paper may be blank, or it may be provided with lines or staffs so that it may be followed, or with other objects to be or traced.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention attached to a table.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the table panel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the present invention showing the table panel raised and tilted at an angle.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the present invention attached to a table.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the clamp mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a 3-D perspective view showing the invention attached to a table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, it is seen that the present invention includes a clamping mechanism for attachment to the edge of a desk or table 10. This clamping mechanism includes a pair of arms 21 that are pivotally attached to a support frame 30 at pivots 32. One end of each arm 21 is bent at an upward angle 23, and an optional end piece (such as a rubber footing, felt, or a plastic cap) 24 may also be provided. The opposite end of each arm 21 is provided with a generally orthogonally positioned member 26 through which an adjustable tightening mechanism 25 is attached. Mechanism 25 is preferably provided in the form of a knob 29 attached to a screw member 27 which may be threaded through an opening 22 (not shown) in support member 26. Each knob 29 may be turned in one direction (e.g., clockwise) to extend screw member 27, thereby causing arm 21 to rotate at pivot (lever) 32, pressing end 23 (and cap 24, if supplied) against the underside of the table 10, thereby tightening the clamping mechanism and securing frame 30 to table 10. Rotating knob 29 in the opposite direction loosens arm end 23 from the underside of table 10 allowing for removal. The distance between the arms 21 of the clamping mechanism should be sufficiently wide so as to allow a wheelchair to pull directly into and between the clamps, so that neither the wheels of the chair nor the knees of the user bump into the clamps or supports.

Support frame 30 includes a pair of generally vertically oriented members 35 to which each or arms 21 is pivotally attached, a cross arm 36 extending between and attached to each of members 35, and a pair of generally horizontally oriented upper arms 37 extending out from each of member 35. Each arm 37 extends out and generally parallel to the bent ends 23 of arms 21, and are designed to be positioned on top of the table 10. A connector member 33 may be provided between arms 37. Thus, arms 37 provide resistance to the clamping pressure imparted by arms 21 when knobs 29 are tightened.

A telescoped member 39 is provided in each of members 35. The position of each member 39 may be slidably adjusted, and then fixed by tightening knob 38 attached to member 35. Members 39 support a pair of upper members 41 (with optional cross member 40) making up an upper frame 42 having a generally rectangular shape. Frame 42 is generally provided in parallel relationship to the top of table 10, and provides support the table extension of upper panel 45. Thus raising or lowering telescoping members 39 also raises or lowers upper frame 42 and attached panel 45. This allows panel 45 to be adjusted to a desired height. One end of panel 45 is hingedly attached to frame 42 so that it may also be tilted at an angle relative to frame 42. In the illustrated embodiment, rotating knob 49 operates a gear mechanism (not shown) in base 47 that raises or lowers rod 48, thereby raising or lowering panel 45. However, other suitable raising and lowering devices may alternatively be employed. Panel 45 is shown in a lowered position in FIG. 2, and in a raised position in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 7. Panel 45 may be tilted at an angle of up to 90% from horizontal (i.e. vertical), but ordinarily will not be raised more than about 45.

Optional features include a rim 51 extending around all or part of the perimeter of upper panel 45 as shown in FIG. 7. Holders for beverages, writing implements, paper and desk items may also be provided either attached to panel 45, frame 35 or frame 40. Panel 45 may be made of wood or plastic; or it may be provided in the form of an erasable white board for use with colored markers. Alternatively, panel 45 be provided with a clear cover that can be written on with an erasable marker. The clear cover may be fitted between the raised outside ridges or flanges 51 and on top of the main panel 45 of the tabletop, and allows for paper to be placed under the clear plastic.

Clamp arms 21, and their respective members (23, 26) as well as frames 30, and 42, and their respective members (33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41), and flange 51 are preferably made of metal, but may also be provided, selectively or collectively, out of wood, plastic or other suitable materials. Any of knobs 29, 38 and/or 49 may be replaced by cranks, handles or other suitable structures for easier grasping and rotation by a physically impaired person. As an alternative to the securing knobs 38, a series of openings may be provided along vertically oriented members 35, and telescoping members 39 may be provided with depressable spring biased buttons that pop-out and lock into one of said openings to hold each of telescoping members in place.

Cross members 33 and 40 may be eliminated, but when employed are preferably curved at the ends where they attach to the parallel members (37 and 41, respectively) so as to avoid or minimize scratching or damage to the surface of the table or desk to which the invention is attached.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope therof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein. 

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A portable work surface for attachment to a stationary structure, the stationary structure having a stationary work surface, comprising: a platform having a planar work surface; a pair of spaced apart support members coupled to the platform; wherein said support members are configured to support the platform at an elevation above the stationary work surface; wherein said support members are configured to abut at least partially against a side edge of the stationary structure; at least one bracing member coupled to the support elements; wherein the bracing member is configured to contact the stationary work surface; and at least one clamping member coupled to the support elements; wherein the clamping member is configured to contact a lower surface of the stationary structure to releasably secure the support members to the stationary structure.
 4. A portable work surface as recited in claim 3, wherein the platform is coupled to the support members so that the platform is capable of translating with respect to the support members to alter the elevation of the platform with respect to the stationary work surface.
 5. A portable work surface as recited in claim 3, wherein the platform is rotatably coupled to the support members so that the platform is capable of rotating with respect to the support elements to alter the angle of the platform with respect to the stationary work surface. 